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Why Gowling WLG

Competition Investigations & Dawn Raids

UK

Our competition and EU team has supported clients throughout entire investigations, from attending the initial 'dawn raid' to appealing the competition authority's decision.

When a business is the subject of a dawn raid, the need for experienced legal support is time-critical.

The dedicated UK dawn raid response units of competition, litigation and criminal law specialists are positioned in Birmingham and London to respond immediately. They provide vital assistance to clients at locations across the country whenever the authorities arrive in reception unannounced.

Experience

The team's experience includes acting for:

A construction plc investigated by the UK competition authority in relation to bid rigging within the construction sector. The team attended the dawn raid, and subsequently made a successful leniency application on behalf of the client.

A manufacturer of construction inputs in relation to a dawn raid, and subsequent investigation into suspected breaches of competition law, conducted by the UK competition authority under its civil and criminal investigatory powers.

An entity active within the UK energy sector in relation to an investigation by the sector regulator into suspected breaches of competition law. The case was closed without any sanctions being imposed.

A US company before the European Commission in relation to a cartel investigation, including making a successful leniency application and representing the company at the oral hearing.

A manufacturer of agricultural inputs in relation to a dual dawn raid conducted by the European Commission under its civil investigatory powers, and by the UK competition authority under its criminal investigatory powers, into suspected breaches of competition law. The case was closed without any sanctions being imposed.

Three manufacturers in relation to an investigation by the UK competition authority into suspected breaches of competition law within the groceries sector. The case was closed without any sanctions being imposed.

Publications

The team speak and write regularly on dawn raids and competition investigations and have contributed to a number of publications, including:

Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.